Ricoh Theta Z1 Review: A High
We'd really like to see Ricoh add user-replaceable storage to the feature set in the next generation. The Z1 was very effective at eliminating wind noise and even picked up the sounds of the bike gears meshing. Ricoh has clearly done something special in managing to cram all of this sensor and lens goodness into such a small package. The smaller apertures also enable longer exposures, up to 3 stops longer than the Theta V. And we get that: A user-replaceable battery isn't always protected by the camera body around it, and so must bring its own size and weight penalty in having a sufficiently-rugged housing of its own. A lightweight, highly robust magnesium alloy is used as external material, which ensures a high rigidity to withstand professional use. You still have a choice of shooting movies or live-streaming at 2K or 4K resolution with a fixed 29. That's another new feature for the Theta Z1, and one we'd imagine will take best advantage of its new 1-inch sensors in low-light shooting or with particularly challenging subjects full of strong highlights and dark shadows. Can't view files until you transfer them to smartphone Unlike the GoPro and the Insta360 cameras, you need to first download images and videos from the Theta Z1 to your smartphone before you can view them. Reproduce those sensations somewhere else. In the financial year ended March 2019, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,013 billion yen approx. Past models already courted not just enthusiasts but pros as well, but thanks to a new large-sensor design and twin, variable-aperture lenses, the Theta Z1 has even more to offer professionals. As well as the existing shutter button which sits beneath one of the two lenses, there is also a column of four buttons lining the side of the Theta Z1. Theta Z1 triple folded optical path Ricoh was able to achieve this through a folded optical path. The gray steel girders, brown wooden boards and green trees were nicely saturated and detailed. Theta Z1 and Theta V 360 Image Comparison With the Ricoh Theta Z1 widely acclaimed to deliver the highest quality image from a single shot 360 camera to date we thought it about time we showed what investing in a Z1 could do for your real estate agency or photography business. Audio for movies and streaming is supplied by an internal, four-channel microphone. It took a longer exposure than the other two, which resulted in a good deal of blurriness throughout the image. Doubtless this was a decision made in the interests of keeping size and especially depth to a minimum. But for video, it's a full 20 minutes or 25% less than the 80 minutes you could record with a Theta V. The overall functionality of the latest model from Ricoh not only meets the high demands of serious photographers but offers optimal performance for professionals and amateurs alike. This design works for two reasons: You can use the camera without a selfie stick, and the device slides easily into your pocket. Crafted from magnesium alloy, the new body has a cast-in texture that, says Ricoh, gives it a high-grade feel. To really test the Z1's quality, I took it, along with the Insta360 One X and the GoPro Max, to Grand Central Terminal and took a few shots in the main hall of the station. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in approximately 200 countries and regions. The new sensors include backside illumination technology, which moves circuitry away from the active surface of the image sensor to allow as much light to be gathered as possible. New lenses bring aperture-control to the table The new lenses of the Ricoh Z1, like those of the Theta models which preceded them, use a prism-folded design which allows the image sensors to be mounted at right-angles to the optical path. The Z1's magnesium body also feels solid, though the camera is not water-resistant, as is the case with the GoPro Max. Smartphone control is still the main paradigm, however Of course, with no color screen on which to preview or review your creations, interacting with the Ricoh Z1 through these five physical controls serves only as a stopgap. At a push of a button or the prompting of your smartphone , this interesting twin-lensed camera could capture the world around you in its full, 360-degree panoramic glory, stitching images from its two lenses into a single all-encompassing image. Note, though, that while these are available for both stills and movies, live-streaming allows only auto exposure. It is also possible to create animations that rotate a single still image and combine multiple still images recorded in interval shooting into a single time lapse video. The lack of a replaceable battery means that after just 300 frames or 60 minutes of video capture, you'll be done shooting until you've recharged the camera. Lowermost of these is a new function button, and above it you'll find the same power, Wi-Fi and mode buttons as in the Theta V. The view can be switched to Flat, which flattens a 360° image, and Little Planet, which makes people and buildings appear as if they are on a small planet. This year 7,298 products from 56 countries were entered for consideration. One handy feature of the Z1, again retained from the Theta V, is that it can rotationally stabilize your videos during capture, ensuring your footage remains upright even if your camera doesn't. The new Theta-series flagship has much larger sensors and variable-aperture lenses Five years down the road, the new flagship of the Theta line -- the Ricoh Theta Z1 -- likewise records the world in its full, 360-degree spherical panoramic beauty, but it does so with a completely overhauled design that promises much greater image quality, especially in low light. Virtual reality goggles for the masses may have stalled out, but there are still other uses for 360-degree cameras. However, the footage still looked a bit wobbly. Now that this is an option in the Z1, Ricoh has added aperture-priority to the list, as well. One set for still imaging, and another for videos. However, one feature the Z1 lacks, which is you can do in both GoPro's and Insta360's apps, is edit a video to automatically change the view as it's playing. As if you were in that very place at that very moment. In fact, the real surprise here is that it hasn't grown more, because this is still a very pocket-friendly camera. Limited battery life will be a concern if shooting mobile But before that becomes feasible, there's one other aspect of the Ricoh Theta Z1 which would need to change. Quite a bit, according to Ricoh, we're presuming either in concert with other buttons or through particular press patterns. Join the thousands of Real Estate Agents already using our virtual tour software and stay ahead of the game with virtual reality virtual tours! You can also restrict publication and add hashtags to images and videos when you post them. So what does the new function button do? The clear sound striking your ears. Ricoh's new camera is a large rectangle whose top edge is slightly rounded, and its two lenses sit on opposite sides of the top end. Both Ricoh and third-party developers can provide these. Short battery life The more-powerful processor in the Z1 goes through the camera's battery pretty quickly. Similar videos shot with the GoPro Max and the Insta360 One X were much stabler. Conclusion Go full screen and use the zoom — you will see without doubt the Theta Z1 images have so much more detail and clarity in the image compared to the Theta V. Not from a memory, but as a recording. Not to mention a little purchase to help stop it slipping between your fingers, we're sure. In other words, that the Z1's lenses each have seven elements in five groups. In good lighting conditions, they produce equally vibrant photos and video, and their apps are easier to use, offering more functions. Four buttons along one of the narrow sides control power, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, shooting modes and the timer. Like its predecessors, the Z1 also lacks a user-replaceable battery, instead opting for a built-in battery which must recharge in-camera. One such will be a time-shift shooting plugin that will help the photographer avoid their own presence in the shot. With more to fit inside, it's also no surprise that the Theta Z1 has grown in size. However, as with any other camera, megapixels aren't everything. Users can expand variety of functions by installing various plug-ins. A new function button helps you forego your smartphone some, too There's also one additional control, as compared to the Theta V. The actual focal length of each lens is 2. We do know that there are 14 elements in 10 groups, and we'd imagine given that each lens in the Theta V had seven elements in six groups that this figure is for both lenses combined. If you need a 360 camera to take indoor images and video where lighting is less than ideal, the Z1's larger sensors definitely help. The video rotational stabilazation algorithm has been redesigned, making it possible to capture spherical images that are more realistic than ever before. You can view 360 degree still images and videos on a computer by dragging them to the main app. While the Z1's attributes are enough to make it one of the around, the cost premium will be a bit too much for most consumers. The compact main body is equipped with two 1. Between this, the much larger sensor size and new image processing algorithms, we can expect a noticeable improvement in image quality, especially in low light. You can also save settings on your smartphone, and then restore them to the camera as needed. What I liked Design The Ricoh Theta Z1 looks essentially like a larger version of the company's older 360 camera, as well as most other 360 cameras, such as our favorite, the Insta360 One X. For further information, please visit. By placing the sensors on the sides of the camera, Ricoh was able to move the lenses closer to each other. Each individual clip is limited to five minutes for 4K, or 25 minutes for 2K footage. In conventional designs, the sensors are directly behind the lens, which would have made the camera thicker. Its short start-up time of approximately 0. Sure, it's about one-third thicker than was the Theta V, but despite a more-than quadrupling of its sensor area, the Z1 has otherwise grown by only 6% in width and 1% in height. The actual number differs according to usage conditions. In our opinion the Ricoh Theta Z1 is certainly worth every cent! With the Z1, took this design even further by creating a new triple folded optical path that uses not one but three prisms in a remarkable feat of engineering and manufacturing. The vivid scenery in front of your eyes. The Z1 top left isn't that much bigger than prior models. The Insta360 One X's photo wasn't nearly as rich or colorful, chromatic aberrations were more visible, and the lighting was drabber. It picked up the most details in the ceiling friezes, and I was able to make out the stars in the constellations in the ceiling mural most clearly. Lens construction 14 Elements in 10 Groups Lens F number F2. In fairness to Ricoh, the still imaging figure is identical to that for the Theta V, despite the need to handle significantly more data, and to power much larger sensors. Our easy to use 360º virtual tour software will make it simple to create multiple virtual tours of any property and display them seamlessly on your website. The Z1 was able to eliminate almost all the movement and keep the horizon fairly level. Here is a tutorial: With the Theta Z1 side by side with the Theta V, we can see just how incredibly compact the Theta Z1 is for a camera with not one but two 1-inch sensors. I took a few photos inside the Amazon Spheres in Seattle and was impressed with the details in the images. The total pixel count has increased by two-thirds, and with a maximum resolution of 6,720 x 3,360 pixels or roughly 23 megapixels , output images should have around 1. However, there was noticeable chromatic aberration purple fringing around the windows, and the photo was very grainy overall. Ricoh Theta Z1 Specifications and Comparison with Ricoh Theta V Here are the specifications of the Z1, in comparison to the Theta V. Other shooting modes on offer include high dynamic range capture, interval composite shooting and bracketing of one of 19 different settings types. I also discuss why those capabilities are important for virtual tours. As a flagship model of the series, the body surface is processed to give a highly textured feel which supports usability and provides an elegant finish. Plug-ins Because the Theta Z1's operating system is based on Android, third-party developers can create plug-ins that add features to the camera. A more substantial body but it's still very pocket-friendly With its larger sensors and new lenses, it's no surprise that the Theta Z1 also debuts a brand-new body. I highlighted improvements in the Z1. August 15, 2019 update: updated: April 29, 2019 updated: June 12, 2019 updated: April 20, 2019 — updated: May 8, 2019 — — added: April 23, 2019 added April 17, 2019 updated: April 13, 2019 — updated August 15, 2019. That's a total between multiple clips, incidentally. All other factors being equal, larger sensors have higher image quality than smaller sensors: greater bit depth, wider dynamic range, and better low light performance. It also has a textured surface that gives it an appearance that feels high-grade. Let us know in the comment section! In good lighting, the Z1 excels. Ricoh Theta Z1 GoPro Max Insta360 One X The Insta360 One X was the worst of the three. This new feature provides fine control over settings when shooting. The original Theta innovated with the folded optical system. If you have the budget and you want to deliver your vendors or clients with the best quality 360 real estate photography, then the Z1 is a great investment in your business. This does come accompanied by a 50% increase in weight. What I didn't like Nonremovable storage Unlike virtually every other camera I've tested, the Theta Z1 has nonremovable storage. You can also get your hands on a What are your thoughts on the differences between the Theta Z1 and the Thea V? I also show some sample photos and videos. The GoPro Max's video was just as effective, while wind noise plagued the Insta360 OneX's video. The 360° experience has reached to a new destination. Bottom line Does the Ricoh Theta Z1 take higher-quality images than other 360 cameras? Cropped Video The video can be cropped into a two-dimensional video. Video and audio quality I mounted all three cameras to a bike and took them for a ride through Central Park. That way, you can get the attention of an animal so that it's looking right at the camera when the shutter snaps. The Bluetooth radio complies with version 4. The square shape of GoPro's Max allows for neither of those benefits. For example, you can edit the video so that the view of the camera rotates 180 degrees from the start to the end of the video or shift to show something to your left or right. Basic Specifications Full model name: Ricoh Theta Z1 Resolution: 22. Considering that all three cameras connect to your phone via Wi-Fi, this seems like an unfortunate oversight on Ricoh's part. Compact size; low parallax stitching error Improved The Theta Z1 is remarkable not only for its large sensors but also for its incredibly compact design, which is barely larger than the Theta V, and indeed thinner than most 360 cameras that have smaller sensors. While I wouldn't call its performance great, the Z1 did the best of the three at capturing the inside of the dimly lit station. And as before, there are still both low-power, always-on Bluetooth and high-speed, as-needed Wi-Fi radios with which the Theta Z1 can communicate with your smartphone. The larger size of the Z1's sensors mean it can capture better images, which was most evident in low-light situations. Not only does it take a lot of time to transfer, but it also takes up a lot of room on your phone. As light enters through its lenses, light is reflected 90 degrees to either side of the camera, where the sensors are. And although there aren't all that many plug-ins, I like that third-party developers can create plug-ins for the camera. Ricoh Theta Z1 Ricoh Theta V Lens type Two fisheye lenses 14 elements in 10 groups 2. This lets you add filters, music, backgrounds, and even an inset video showing you an alternate view from the same video. First among consumer 360 cameras The Z1 has a variable aperture, the first consumer 360 camera to have such a feature. You'll fit just 350 raw frames before you run out of space, and as little as 40 minutes of 4K video. You can even have the camera play a bird call right before it takes a picture. Ricoh is out to prove not only that the category is still viable, but also that there's a market for higher-end models. This is the new form of expression. Moreover, the main body of the camera, with a 0. By dragging images and videos to the main app, you can rotate them as well as manipulate them with the navigation panel. After conversion, the video can be posted to YouTube and enjoyed with 360° spatial audio. The relatively small distance between lenses means that it has less parallax stitching error, and with its optical flow stitching, should have smooth stitching. Ricoh is using innovative technologies and services enabling individuals to work smarter. It will allow you to switch between display modes, enable or disable the self-timer, operational sounds and lights, or to switch between one of three plug-ins installed in the camera. For movie capture, the 2K resolution allows a 16Mbps bitrate, while 4K is 56Mbps. There are currently 42 plug-ins, which include features such as wireless livestreaming and control of the camera using Alexa. Video can be recorded in 4K 3840x1920 30fps, 360° high-definition quality. The Theta V before it , which is a fairly powerful mid-range system-on-chip.。 。 。 。 。 。 。
次の
